Starbucks Buys La Boulange Bakery Chain

Starbucks has never had a very appealing food or baked goods selection, despite the fact that one third of purchases made in its U.S. locations include food. But now the company has purchased Bay Area bakery chain La Boulange, and hopes the bakery will improve Starbucks' food reputation.

La Boulange currently has 19 locations in the Bay Area, and is known for serving salads and sandwiches in a casual sit-down setting. According to Starbucks reps, it's their hope the acquisition of the chain will "popularize the French bakery experience in the U.S. the same way it brought the experience of the Italian espresso bar to the masses."

The pastries and sandwiches from La Boulange will start replacing Starbucks' current lineup early next year, first in San Francisco and then nationally.